Toxic
Jus Accardo
Series: Denazen, #2
Publication date: October 16th 2012
by Entangled Teen
When a Six saved Kale’s life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she’d lose the one thing she’d give anything to keep… And as if it’s not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez’s problems.
After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice–surrender to Denazen for the cure…or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn’t involve being bagged and tagged–or losing someone she loves–Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there’s a traitor among them. Jade.
Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there’s any hope of proving Jade’s guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead…
Closer to a 3.5 stars, Toxic is the long anticipated sequel to one of my favorites books last year; it was good to get reacquainted with Dez and Kale in this fun, emotional sequel. Dez is back to her full glory, and now she has competition; Jade is here to try to teach Kale control, but she’s also trying to weasel her way into his heart – or at least his pants. If this wasn’t enough, Dez’s immunity to Kale’s touch is waning.
With a wedge… or 2, driven between Dez and Kale, there is a lot of tension in this sequel. Dez’s worst insecurities being brought to light make her a little jealous, and a lot paranoid. She turns from confident to constantly worried to the point of spying. This is not the stubborn, determined Dez I love! I definitely understand where she’s coming from, but the whole situation really grated on my nerves. I hated Jade with such a passion that just her alone definitely put a damper on my enjoyment of this novel. She would always get in the way, or get her way, and it annoyed the hair off of my body! Yes, we are meant to dislike her, but it worked so well on me that I didn’t love the book as much as I would have otherwise, and now I look like Britney Spears.
Moving on. Kale and Alex both have good character growth in Toxic. Since I read Untouched – the novella in Kale’s perspective – I know how his perplexed mind works, this made me understand his decisions better in this book. I love how he’s so innocent, yet incredibly dangerous. We didn’t get as many laughs from his clueless ways, however, which I missed from Touch. Since Kale is so busy with jerkface Jade, we get to know Alex a little more, and I have to say I grew to like him a lot better. In Touch he was the guilty pleasure character, the bad boy that you know you shouldn’t like but you kind of do anyways. In Toxic, we see layers to his character we hadn’t glimpsed at before; his level headedness for example. He has a really strong personality that makes him a great secondary character that balances out the others perfectly.
Even through all the stress and boy troubles, there is still great humor from Dez’s sarcastic attitude, new, unique powers that we get to observe, and a hint of what Denazen has up their sleeves. It’s a lot more about the characters than the plot itself which makes this sequel a lot less action packed. We do go through a lot of emotional ups and downs, and ultimately get a feel of what the third book will bring with some intriguing developments that come forth.
Touch still remains one of my favourite novels, the easy writing style and a steady pacing continues in Toxic, making it a very fun read regardless my dislike of a certain… person. I’m just going to hope she dies miserably in the third installment. You will do that for me, right Jus? 😀
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| 4 Hot Espresssos |
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Rebecca
I read Touch last month and liked it. It took me a while to get into though I don’t know if that was because of me but as it moved along, I enjoyed it more and more. So I’m looking forward to giving the sequel a go. Aww, I hate that Dez loses her confidence (but it’s understandable!) and Jade…Jade sounds positively evil. Here’s hoping your wish is granted!
I loved Kale’s innocence too! He’s ripped but adorable, sweet and cute – SO many good qualities!
I’m sorry you had a few problems with Toxic but at least you still enjoyed it! Don’t worry, maybe Jus will redeem herself, kill off Jade and bring back the fiery Dez we knew and loved. Never say never!
Fantabulous review, Giselle! ♥
Amy
OMG!! Love the Brittany Spears reference!! You are too funny!! I haven’t read the first book yet because I suck, but I do have it and I will get to it sometime. This one sounds like it’s a bit lacking, but still enjoyable. Maybe I will wait until the whole series is out to read it. Great review as always chick!!
Nick
I got this book too this week, so I can’t wait to start reading it. Touch was one of my favorite books of last year too!
Ughh, I already hate Jade. She sounds like a terrible character.
Aww, I’m sad to hear that the “clueless Kale” moments are not very abundant in this one. I loved those moments and had a real good laugh.
I’m glad to hear that you did enjoy the book even with the … uhumm … “smallish” issues you had with jerkface! 😛
Love the review, Giselle! You rock as always! 🙂
Silverlight
Guess what I’ll be reading very soon? –Touch, because your review has me hooked!
Micheline D
”It annoyed the hair off my body…” hahahah I love that. And we can all relate when you hate ‘the character you’re supposed to hate’ too much and the hatred spills over and hinders you’re overall enjoyment. >.<
I still haven’t read Touch yet (I have no clue why?) but this made me want to jump on board! Great review Giselle
Nereyda @Mostly YA Book Obsessed
Oh man, I have a love/hate relationship with characters I HATE. One one hand I hate them and wish they died a painful and slow death but on the other hand, I give mad props to the author that can evoke so much emotion for a character from me. Even if it is hatred.
Really looking forward to this one and hope to start it tonight. I need more Kale!
Camille Picott
Gah, I’m on an anti-romance kick right now, mostly because the current book I’m reading is a Twilight-esque YA romance and I need a break. 🙂 Anyway, glad you enjoyed this sequel! Nice review, as always!
Jac (For Love and Books)
I am so glad that Toxic is coming out soon!! And tension filled?? YES PLEASE!!
-Jac @ For Love and Books
Elodie
Glad you loved this one Giselle !! I really have to get my hands on a copy of Touch because thi series sounds amazing.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I somehow managed to forget that Touch is a favorite of yours, and I’ve been thinking about reading it for quite some time now. Knowing that the sequel doesn’t disappoint certainly helps.
And now I see in the comments that Nick liked Touch too. I’m reading this series next. 🙂
Wonderful review as usual.
Jenn@OwlReadIt
I haven’t read any of this series yet. You have made me more interested though, I think if Touch is one of your favourites, maybe I should read it at least..lol
Thanks for the review, I’ll at least be considering it more!
Megan K.
I haven’t read the first book for this one, yet, but your review of TOXIC really intrigues me. But, check, does Jade sound like a total BITCH! I can’t help but hope with you that she somehow ‘disappears’ in the next book. 😛
Fabulous review as usual, Giselle!
Doctor's Notes
I loved this review and loled at you going bald. I really need to read this series.
Giselle
Thanks for dropping by, lovelies! I’m glad to see so many Kale fans! 😀 And those who aren’t definitely did not read this series! 😉
Candace
I have wanted to start this series but I’m a tad concerned with this annoying character. But if you like the first so much I will def have to give it a shot!
Paranormal Book Fan
I enjoyed Touch, but Untouched, not so much. So, I don’t feel in any hurry to pick up Toxic. And your review is not helping to push me along. It’s terrible when you hate a character so much that they completely ruin the book for you. Looking forward to pics of the new Britney look lol. Great review as usual Giselle.